News & Media

Dublin Bus must stop discriminating against UCD students

6 March 2019

Labour Transport spokesperson Kevin Humphreys has called on Dublin Bus to reverse its decision not to pick students up at UCD at night, and to work with students, An Garda Síochána, and the University to find a solution.

Senator Humphreys said:

"It is unacceptable to tar the entire student and staff community in UCD with the same brush and ignore their transport needs at night. This is both an equality and safety issue for students, and also drivers and their customers.

"I recognise that bus drivers must be respected and their right to decent and safe working conditions delivered on, but surely it is feasible to find solutions to ensure those getting on the bus do not engage in rowdy or anti-social behaviour, rather than leaving those who need the bus on the side of the road.

"Discriminating against all students because of the actions of some is not acceptable. Students with disabilities and those with the least are most affected. Students are being encouraged late at night to walk to another bus stop along a dual carriageway. That is not a runner, and not safe for students.

"I am calling on Dublin Bus to reverse their decision and resolve this. Surely it can see that in this day and age, such discrimination is simply unacceptable. I am also calling on the Minister for Transport to reengage with the transport unions and An Garda Síochána to speed up the delivery of a Transport Police to bring anti-social behaviour on board public transport under control.